A/N: I've rewritten the previous chapter fksjnczmwesficjkn (partly) and this chapter has NOT been proof read i wrote most of it when i was 1. sick or 2. tired and this is WAY overdue you have been warned
The fwagon holding the Plantars and their companions cross a dark path at night. Hop Pop was driving, and he held up a water bottle. "Alright, kids! We're about to hit the dry swamp."
Jean and Anne peek their heads out of the trapdoor, as Hop Pop holds out the canteen for them. "Here, girls. You're gonna wanna hydrate." He states. Jean gladly takes it, holding it as Anne waves the elderly frog off. "That's okay, dude. It's still a swamp." Snapping her fingers, she chuckles. "How dry could it be..."
Hop Pop shrugs. "Suit yourself. And Jean? Make sure that canteen gets refilled." He states. Jean gives him a thumbs up. "No problem, HP." Retreating back into the fwagon, she sits down on the couch.
All the younger kids were almost asleep. They were trying to keep their eyes open as they play a board game.
Chuckling, the human takes a sip.
She was gonna stay awake all night.
—
The next day, Anne was leaning out the fwagon trapdoor, dehydrated. She lets out a strained groan, voice hoarse as she reaches into the fwagon to find some water. Sprig happened to be standing by her, holding a bottle of water. She grabs the bottle, dousing herself. "Gimme that stuff!"
Sprig let out a "Whee!" As he was lifted over Anne's head. Jean takes a peek outside, eyes red and hair dishevelled. Polly eyes her as she hops out too. "Whoa. Jean, you okay?" She asks.
Jean nods her head, letting out a tired "mhm". "Never been better." She yawned.
Hop Pop chuckles. "Welcome to the Dry Swamp, kids! Home to giant frog-eating sand worms, bandits, vagabonds. You'd know, of course..." Pulling out a scroll, he holds it up for all to see. "If you'd ever read the classic play, "Fear the Dry Swamp"."
The kids let out frustrated groans. Even Flossie, who was inside the fwagon, could be heard screaming into a pillow. "Please don't."
Jean blinks slowly, one eye after the other. "What's he doin'?"
Hop Pop clears his throat. A cloud passes over, a single ray of sunlight shining down on him like a spotlight. ""Hark. For I am homeless. I am friendless. I am the Dry Swamp."" He says dramatically.
The spotlight disappears, and he puts his scroll away. "You know, I was this close to getting the lead part once." He says, looking off into the distance. The kids grumble things under their breath. Jean shrugs, returning back into the fwagon. No one notices patches of grass moving in their direction, the sand moving beneath it.
"Yep. Before I was a farm frog, your Hop Pop had dreams. Next life, I suppose." He sighs.
A giant, worm-like creature bursts from the ground, towering over the fwagon. It roars at them ferociously, showing the fwagon members its sharp teeth. Everyone screams, and Hop Pop flicks Bessie's reins, urging her to flee.
The sand worm attacks them, attempting to eat them as they escape. Jean's adrenaline kicks in, and now wide awake, grabs her sword.
Climbing out of the fwagon's trapdoor, she stands on the roof, wobbling dangerously around.
"Jean! Get back inside the fwagon this instant!" Hop Pop screams, taking his eyes off the road for a brief moment. The human ignores him, facing the sand worm that was slowly inching closer and closer. "Alright, dirt-face. Come and get it."
The sand worm roars, opening its mouth to swallow the human. With a scream of rage, Jean slices her sword at its jaw. The sand worm lets out a shriek of pain. It stops in its tracks a moment, gaining the Plantars some time before it charges after the fwagon once more.
As they escape the sand worm, an unknown amphibian riding a large bug flies up beside the fwagon. "Hey, you!" They call to Hop Pop. "Head towards that dune! We've got a caravan on the other side and this thing's spooked by numbers!" They fly away, leaving the fwagon. Hop Pop was left confused. "What?!"
Jean, who'd over heard the conversation, turns to Hop Pop angrily. "Just do what they say!" She screams.
With that, Hop Pop heads in the direction of the dune. Suddenly, the same bug rider comes over the dune, followed by a large caravan. It circles around the Plantar's fwagon, in order to confuse and intimidate the sand worm.
The sand leaves, letting out one last angry roar before diving back underground. Hop Pop cheers, and Jean jumps down from the fwagon roof onto the drivers seat. "That was a close one."
The elderly frog, realising that he was still mad at Jean, gives her a glare. "Jean! What did I tell you? You could've gotten killed!" He yells angrily. Jean doesn't look at him. "Right. Sorry." She mutters. "Just trying to help..."
Hearing someone clapping, the two turn to see the masked amphibian walking up to them. Jean raised a brow, as they continued to clap. "That was a spectacular show of bravery! We could really do with someone like you guarding our caravans!" The amphibian stated. Jean blushed, taken aback by the compliment. "Oh, uh, thanks!"
Hop Pop turned to the amphibia. "Hey, thanks for your help out there!" He said gratefully. The amphibian waved him off. "Don't mention it. You know, you folks really shouldn't be out here on your own. Haven't you ever read "Fear the Dry Swamp"?" She questioned. Hop Pop gasped, as Jean let out a yawn from beside him. "You know that play?"
The amphibian cackled. "Know it? I directed it!" She exclaimed matter of factly. Taking off her hood, she gestures to her caravan. "Renee Frodgers is the name and managing this acting troupe is my game!"
Hop Pop gasped once more, looking at the caravan before him. "An acting troupe? Here?" Anne, Flossie, Sprig and Polly all peeked out of the caravan trap door, curious about what was going on. All were surprised at this outcome. "Wow. What are the chances." Anne said.
Flossie and Polly turned to Jean, who was about to fall asleep in the front seat. Her head tilted tiredly to the left as Renee walked closer to them. "Say, why don't you folks join our caravan?" She invites. "We could use extra stagehands and patrollers, and you know what they say: "Safety in numbers!""
At that, Jean jerked fully awake, as Hop Pop jumped in his seat excitedly. The two grinned as they looked at Renee. "We're in!" They cried in unison, jumping down from the wagon to follow the frog actor.
Flossie's eyebrows furrowed. "I don't like where this is going." She says. Anne, Sprig and Polly nod in agreement. "It's not like Hop Pop and Jean to agree on something like this." Anne added.
Renee opened the doors to one of the caravans. "Welcome to our humble operation." She states, revealing a bunch of frogs in acting gear walking around preparing for the next show. One stage hand helped a tiny frog into a huge dress. Hop Pop gasped, looking around in wonder as Renee guided them inside. Spotting a free drink tray with a sign saying "Bugachinno's", Jean discreetly grabs one, taking a sip.
Renee either noticed or didn't care, for she kept her introducing her guests to her caravan. She soon stopped next to a young frog dressed up. "Hey, Francis! Show these youngsters to the kids' wagon." She instructed. Francis turned to them, flaring his cape dramatically as he bowed. "As you wish, madam. I a Francois, heir to House D'arncool." He says.
"He's method." Renee explains blankly. That makes all the younger kids confused, as they muttered amongst themselves. The only one unfazed was Jean, who was still drinking her buggachino.
Hop Pop rolls his eyes at his kids murmuring. "It means he embodies a character on and off set! Duh!" He states, exasperated. Renee grins at him. "Ha! Ha! Sharp as a tack, HP. Care to join me in my trailer? I'd love to pitch you our latest production." She asks, gesturing to her office.
Hop Pop gasps for what felt like the millionth time that day. "WOULD I?"
The two start walking off, Hop Pop giggling as he follows Renee. Jean reaches toward them. "Wait! Renee?"
Renee turns to her. "What's up, kiddo?" She asks. Jean chuckles awkwardly. "You wouldn't mind showing me the direction the other bug riders are, would you? I'd love to help patrol the caravan for you." She says. Renee grins. "Well, thanks a ton, kid! You'll find the bug riders in the second last caravan! Tell em' I sent ya!" She says. Jean waved at her, as the frog heads towards her trailer once more. "Thanks Renee! And it's no problem!"
Jean finishes her buggachino, tossing it in a nearby trash can, when Anne grabbed her shoulder. "Dude, are you sure about this?" She says, rubbing her arm. Jean raises a brow. "Yeah, why do you ask?" She asks.
Anne hesitated, but Polly beat her to it. "Girl, you haven't slept in how many days! You look like trash!" She exclaimed. "Polly!" Anne scolded the pollywog, but Jean was unfazed by the outburst. Anne turned to Jean. "Well...what she said. Partly. You haven't been yourself recently, and if you keep putting off sleep, you're gonna get yourself hurt. You. Need. Sleep."
Jean shrugged. "I think I'm doing pretty well. All I need is more buggachino's whenever I'm tired and I'll be good." She states.
None of the amphibians or Anne say anything. Jean turns away. "Welp, I better get started that bug riding stuff! See ya guys later!" She chuckles, speed-walking away to avoid anymore questions and scoldings.
The younger kids watch her go, suspicious. Someone clearing their throat comes from behind them, and they turn to see Francois (*cough* Francis *cough*), waiting patiently for them. "You four are free to join me if you wish. Ha! Ha!" He cries dramatically, flaring his cape once more before scuttling away.
Sprig tilts his head. "Wow. That guy...is the coolest kid I've ever met! Let's go with him!" He yells excitedly. Flossie grins. "Thought you'd never ask!"
"I'm in!" Polly adds, jumping into Sprig's open arms. The trio cheer, about to follow him when Anne butts in. "Absolutely not."
The trio pause, turning to look at the remaining human. "I was in a school play once. It was awful and this place is bringing back...memories." She says darkly.
—
A young Anne dressed in a tooth costume smiles sweetly. The star of the show, she starts singing and dancing around. "I'm a tooth, that's the truth-"
Tripping over, the young girl lets out a scream as she collides with the wooden toothbrush beside her, setting it aflame through the theatre. Panic ensues as many other children dressed in tooth costumes start screaming in fear, one even being on fire.
—
Anne shudders. "Four to five dentists agreed, I was traumatised. Anyways, see you dudes later." She pulls out a box of puzzles, showing them to the young amphibians. "I've got a complicated jigsaw puzzle with my name on it! Plus, I might have to talk some sense into Jean." She explained, holding the puzzles close.
Sprig and Flossie scurry off. "Mm okay bye."
"See you later, Anne."
Jean opens the door to the caravan. Immediately, she was met with the smell of cockroach dung, along with the sounds of chirping and frogs talking. A few glanced her way, even stealing a second glance at the tall gangly creature that entered their caravan, but over-all mostly ignored her. All except for one, of course.
A small blue frog walked up to her. "Are you lost? May I help you, strange creature?" He asks tiredly. Jean stands up straighter, holding out her hand. "My name's Jean. I'm here to help patrol the caravan. Renee sent me." She explains. The frog let out a sigh, shaking her hand back. "Of course she did. I'm Twig, the leader of the patrollers here. Thanks for joining us, Jean." He greets. Pulling out a clipboard, he taps his pen against his chin. "So how long will you be staying with us for?" He asks. Jean shrugs. "I don't know, that's up to HP, my guardian." She chuckles. "But considering that, it'll probably be for a while."
Twig "ah's" in response, scribbling something down. "Alright. And do you know how to ride a bug?" He finishes. Jean hesitated before answering. "Well...I did do horse riding for a bit back in my world. Not long but I got to learn the basics." She explains. Twig nods. "Don't know what that is but I'm gonna take that as a yes. Now." Taking the clipboard away from his face, he points to where one of the bugs was sleeping in its stable. "You can take Rocky. She's old but gentle, reliable and sturdy, easy for a beginner. And here are your times if you want them." He states, giving Jean a sheet of paper. She takes it, taking note it was a timetable.
"Thanks Twig! Much appreciated!" She thanks, walking off toward said stable. Looking inside, she looked down at the sleeping cockroach. "Hey there, Rocky. Looks like you and I are gonna become good friends for a while."
And she's gonna need to let the bug take breaks so as not to wear her out. That was gonna be a bit annoying to the human personally, but it'd be worth it.
Meanwhile, in the kids wagon, Sprig, Polly and Flossie observed the other amphibians play and act. Sprig sighs. "These kids are so cool! If only I could be one of them..."
Polly shrugs. "Eh, it can't be that hard. Here!" She says, pushing Sprig. He stumbles with a yelp, colliding into Francois accidentally. But the young frog wasn't impressed. "Hey! Watch it!" He hissed.
Sprig sweats nervously, holding up an apologetic hand. "Sorry. I'm Sprig by the way." he introduces himself.
The children around Sprig gasp, to which he looks around visibly confused. Francois glares at him. "We do not use our real names here! For we must become our characters." He states. Sprig laughs nervously. "Well, then I'm...Spruueg Plantoir! Your..." grabbing a wooden sword, he points it at Francois. "Nemesis! En garde!" He exclaims.
Francois merely slaps the sword out of the Plantar's hand. "I don't believe you." he says darkly. Sprig sighs. "C'mon Polly, Floss. Let's get outta here."
He looks over to look at his sister and friend, but found both gone. Looking around, he spots Flossie standing near the chest of clothes, staring at him guiltily. She shrugs. "Sorry, Sprig. But I'm Hilda. Famous singer who travels the world." she says in a posh accent. Sprig looks betrayed by her actions, but didn't say anything. Instead, he looked for his sister. "Polly, let's go. These guys are having way too much fun." He states. But soon lets out a gasp as Polly rolls up to Francois, also dressed up.
"Who's Polly, governor? I'm Lydia Davenport. The black widow." She says in a thick accent. Francois laughs. "Ignore him, Lydia. He clearly doesn't have enough...character."
The kids around them laugh, and Sprig glances between the kids, Flossie (who wasn't laughing, just standing awkwardly next to the chest), and his sister, begging for her support.
Polly shrugs, fake laughing along with the other children. Sprig glares down at her. "I'm gonna get in with this group if it's the last thing I do."
—
"KIDS!" Hop Pop yelled, bursting into the room. Anne, who was peacefully doing her puzzle, jumps in fright. Hop Pop rushes over to her, excited. "I got a part in the play! Isn't this exciting?" He cheers, eyes wide with excitement. Completely oblivious the fact none of the other kids were there. Anne glares at him for disturbing her, but decides to keep her mouth closed. For now.
"That's great, HP! Just don't forget about Newtopia!" She said, but Hop Pop was already gone, too excited to stay put.
Anne sighs. She was alone in the caravan they were staying in. On any other occasion, one of the kids would be with her. And if not the amphibians, it'd be Jean.
Speaking of Jean, the older teen was worrying Anne. She obviously hadn't slept well in the last couple of days (if she did at all).
Maybe she should check up on her.
Getting up from her seat to leave her precious puzzle behind, Anne left the caravan, making her way toward where the bug caravan was.
Anne finally approached the older teen. She had to search for her through the timetable a kind blue frog had provided for her, showing where Jean would be at that time.
The older human was riding on a cockroach, eyes straight forward with a frown on her face as she rode beside the moving caravan. Her sword was resting by her side. Anne would've laughed at the fact that before Jean came to Amphibia, she was grossed out by any kind of insect. Cockroaches especially. But the fact that Jean was serious, lost in thought instead of cheering over her victory of over coming her fear or she that she was flying kind of unnerved Anne. It made her worried.
Catching up to the teen riding the bug, she waved her hand to gain her attention.
Meanwhile, Jean was lost in thought.
What happened at the ruins, the forest. Heck, even before they started their journey was a disaster.
You need to be stronger.
You need to protect them.
Otherwise, you'll lose them.
You'll fail.
Unless you want that to happen, Soul?
"Hey, Jean! I've been looking everywhere for y-" Jean snapped around, drawing her sword in one swift motion and pointing it threateningly at whom ever dared sneak up on her.
Anne let out an "EEP!" as the sword was held in front of her face, mere inches away. Sweating, she stopped in her tracks, holding up her arms in surrender. "Whoa! Whoa! Jean, it's me!" She said hurriedly.
Instantly, Jean realised her mistake. With guilt in her eyes she immediately put the sword away. "Oh, sorry bout that Anne." She chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck as she brought Rocky toward the ground. Getting off, she gave Anne a convincing smile. "Whatcha doing out here? I thought you were doing your puzzle?" She asks.
Anne doesn't respond right away. She just stares at Jean. What had happened to her friend? She was way more jumpy than usual. Was it the lack of sleep?
Jean waves a hand in front of her face, snapping her out of her trance. "Amphibia to Anne? You kinda zoned out there." She chuckled, ever so casually. Anne gives an awkward smile back.
"Yeah.. I was just coming to check on you? I've noticed you haven't slept well for the last couple of days." She explained, scratching the back of her neck.
Jean looked up at the moving caravan, avoiding eye contact.
You don't need to tell her, Soul. It'll only hold you back.
The older teen began walking, turning her back to Anne to keep up with the caravan, Rocky walking up beside her. The bug was way more energetic than Twig let on.
"Yeah, I'm fine! Everything's fine. Just got a little insomnia, is all. Nothing to be worried about." She replied.
Anne jogged to catch up to her, keeping in pace with her. "Yeah, but you've been wearing yourself out." She explained. Jean didn't respond, keeping her gaze forward.
Anne continued. "And that stunt you pulled this morning with the sand monster? You could've gotten seriously hurt-" she was about to continue, when Jean suddenly turned to her, gaze full of fury.
"Well, that stunt saved our lives! When is anyone gonna see that!" She growled, pinching the bridge of her nose.
The younger girl was taken aback. It wasn't often that Jean snapped at her friends, and it always shocked Anne.
Jean let out a tired sigh. "I'm sorry. I'm fine, okay? Just a little tired and stressed after...this morning." Jean mutters apologetically. But she said the last part between her teeth.
Anne tilted her head. "Just this morning?" She asks softly.
Jean looks down. She couldn't tell her. She didn't need to know, right? What she doesn't know can't hurt her.
Besides, it'd be more of an unnecessary, stupid burden.
...
Yeah, Anne and the rest are fine without knowing.
"Yep. Just this morning." She replies back. "I'll see you later on tonight." With that, she climbed onto Rocky, flying off above the caravan.
Anne watches her go, a sad look on her face. She had to get Jean to talk. Or, at very least, sleep before she wears herself into the ground.
—
For the last few days, the Plantars were busy.
Hop Pop was now a stare, the main role of the caravans performance's. Wherever they went, many frogs watched in wonder at the elderly frogs performance.
Anne was busy trying to do her puzzle, but failed every time the caravan moved, jerking from side to side and messing up her pieces. While she was trying to concentrate on
Jean was protecting the caravan, using her sword to drive off the monster that seemed to follow them wherever they went. It was starting to annoy her. Not to mention she would almost fall asleep on her flights, the only thing keeping her awake were the buggachino's and adrenaline.
While Sprig was busy trying to impress Francois and join the kids acting group with Polly and Flossie, the axolotl herself wasn't having a good time. Keeping "in character" was tiring, and the clothing she was wearing itched.
Plus, the kids she was hanging out with were a bunch of snobs. She leaned on the table tiredly, thinking over and regretting her actions.
—
"And so I said: "You clearly don't have enough character!"" Francois laughs, the other children cackling along with him. Flossie was angrily tapping her foot, tail swishing from side to side. Francois was retelling the tale he humiliated Sprig in front of everyone. And she wasn't impressed at how the story was going. Making Sprig to be like the villain.
"And you know what he did? He started crying!"
Oh, Francois was so glad Anne or Polly weren't here. Unfortunately for him, Flossie was.
"That's it! I've had it!" She yells angrily, ripping off the dress to reveal her actual outfit. The other kids gasp, and Francois stares at her.
"I've had it with you snobby tadpoles! I'm done with you specifically, Francis!" Many kids gasp at that statement, even Francois himself. She used his REAL name, after all.
"I'm not going to stand around and let you pick on my friend like that!" Flossie yells, eyes flashing a bright gold as she launches herself at Francois.
Francois lets out a scream, as Flossie tackles him to the floor.
—
Anne grins, about to place the last piece in when Hop Pop, once again, slams the door open, startling her. "ANNE!"
The teen yelps, accidentally throwing the piece to the floor. The elderly frog marches over to the table, banging his fists on it and causing the puzzle to mess up. "The play's a distraction for a bank robbery! On one hand, that's awful! But on the other hand, we need to support the arts, right?" He asks.
Anne shoves him off the table, shocked. "What? No! They're using you to commit crimes! You can't just pretend you don't know that!" She objected.
Hop Pop hums in thought. "I probably could. I'm a very good actor, you know! Thanks for the advice Anne!"
And just like that, the elderly frog exited, leaving Anne with questions about his moral alignment and a messed up puzzle. Rolling her eyes, she picked up another puzzle.
Only to be interrupted by Sprig kicking down the door.
"ANNE! THE THEATRE KIDS DON'T LIKE ME!" He yells frantically, also banging the table and messing up the puzzle. Anne groans. "Seriously? It doesn't matter what those theatre dorks think." She states.
Sprig gasps. You're right! It matters what they feel! I just have to speak to their hearts. Thanks, Anne. Bye!"
His voice cracking on the "bye", he too was gone.
Anne sighed. "Finally...peace and-"
Polly slams the window open. "ANNE! I love you, girl!" She shouts. Anne turns to her, frustrated. "I love you too, dude!"
After Polly left, Anne got busy trying to fix up the wrecked puzzle. The door opened, much more quietly, and the human turned to see a rough-looking Flossie enter. She seemed pretty proud of herself.
"Whoa, what happened to you?" Anne asks curiously. Flossie sits at the table, smiling triumphantly. "I punched Francois in the face." She replied simply.
Anne raised a brow. "What?"
"He was asking for it." The axolotl giggles. Anne shakes her head. "Anyway. I want to ask for your help. It's...Jean." Anne says.
Flossie tilts her head, curious. "Sure. What do you need help with?"
—
It was now nightfall, and Hop Pop's show starts in Banksville.
Jean sits on top of one of the caravans, watching Hop Pop tiredly. Rocky was asleep in her stable. Her sword sitting by her side, she rests her hand on the hilt.
You've failed them too many times before. Time you better get your performance together.
Rubbing her eyes, Jean reaches for the buggachino by her side. Feeling nothing beside her, she looks over to find the spot empty. She was bamboozled. Wasn't it right there?
Hearing giggling coming from underneath her, Jean looks down to see Flossie carefully holding her buggachino cup in a water bubble. "Ooh, this smells nice. MINE NOW!" The axolotl says, running off in the direction of the fwagon.
Jean jumps down from the caravan, chasing after her. "Flossie, don't drink that!" She yells. If the amphibian got a sip of that, she'd never sleep tonight. Plus, that was the last buggachino for that evening. Ain't no way the human was giving that up. She needed all the energy she could get.
The axolotl gives her friend a mischievous grin, running inside the fwagon. Jean's mind was too groggy to pick it up, and she follows suit.
Once inside, she looks around in surprise. Flossie was nowhere to be seen. The buggachino she held was now resting on the table. Jean places her sword down, about to reach for the buggachino before she stops, staring at it suspiciously. Something wasn't right here. "Wait a min-"
"NOW FLOSS!"
Jean whips around, only to be met with a pillow to her face. She stumbles back, shocked, and falls conveniently onto the bed.
Ripping the pillow off her face, her arms are immediately pinned down as she's wrapped in...several blankets?
"Ha! Gotcha!"
Jean glares up Anne and Flossie. The younger teen holds out a hand to the amphibian, both looking down at her with smug smirks. "Nice work, Floss."
Flossie high-fives her back.
Struggling in the blankets, Jean found it VERY hard to move. "Anne! Let me out RIGHT NOW-" she started, but Anne shook her head. "No can do, Jean. You need to sleep. And if you're feeling up to it tomorrow, we're gonna talk." She states, pointing an accusing finger at her.
Jean scowls, giving up on trying to escape.
Flossie walks out the fwagon. "Alright! I'm gonna go see if Sprig's okay! He said he was gonna try and talk to the theatre kids again." She states.
Jean watches her go with a pout, as Anne leans over her with a grin.
"I'm not sleeping out of spite now."
—
Flossie moved toward the backstage, where Sprig must've finally impressed Francis, for he was now wearing a pirate costume alongside Polly.
When Francis spotted Flossie, he rushed toward her. "Wait!" Turning to face him, the axolotl smirked to herself when she noticed the black eye of Francis. The prick deserved it.
"That rage! The fury! The drama! That acting was amazing! How did you make it so real?" He asks curiously. "Teach me your ways!"
Flossie didn't hear Hop Pop yelling, when she frowned down at Francis, confused. "The punch? Francis, that WAS all real. You hurt my friends feelings, and I wasn't going to sit around while you said that about him. Maybe if you tried getting out of your acting fantasy, you'd notice the world around you isn't JUST all acting, Francis. Everyone is real, and they have feelings too." She explained.
Francis was staring at her, as Floss moved her gaze to the horizon. "Maybe let the acting drop for a bit, okay? Then you can be a normal kid. Not just a character for a play. That's not the real you."
The axolotl was about to walk off, when the caravan jerked to life. Floss wobbled on the spot, grabbing onto something.
Francis slipped, almost toppling off the edge of the fast-moving caravan. He let out a yelp.
Eyes wide, Flossie acted on instinct. Reaching out her hand, water shot out like a jet toward the frog, catching his wrist before he's grip loosened on the make-shift stage. "Hang on, Francis!"
Francis whimpers, as he's suspended in the air. He looks down for a brief moment at the fast moving ground below him.
Closing her eyes, Flossie strains to reel the water back in, still holding onto the frog child. The moving caravan wasn't helping at all.
But she couldn't let this frog get hurt. Punching him in the face was one thing, but letting him get several broken bones from falling from a fast moving wagon was another.
Opening her eyes, they flash gold for the second time that day. In one swift movement, Flossie yanks Francis back onto the caravan, away from harm.
Francis grabs onto the same thing as her. Staring up at her with wide, amazed eyes. "You...you saved me..."
Flossie rubs her head. Why did that take so much energy out of her? She's done water tricks like that before.
But not with the weight of another living thing.
Feeling the caravan slow down, Flossie opens her eyes. Looking around, the caravan had indeed slowed down, and she could hear Hop Pop yelling at Renee.
Looking over the side, her eyes widened at the sight of the sand monster crashing into the head of the caravan, which was luckily NOT connected to the rest.
Renee flies from the wreckage, and the axolotl winces as she crash lands onto the roof, knocked out cold.
—
"Philistines! Barbarians!" Renee shrieked as she was taken away by the police. Flossie places her hands on her hips, watching her go by.
"Meh. I never liked her anyway." She giggles.
"Hil- I mean, Flossie!"
Flossie looks over to Francis, surprised. He was now in new attire. More...casual. And he was running up to the axolotl. She smiles as he approaches. "Hey, nice new look!" She compliments.
Francis catches his breath. "I just want to say thank you for saving my life. And for opening my eyes to the world! You've shown me that acting isn't everything, and I need to...let loose every now and again."
Flossie stares at him curiously. His accent was still there, which kind of confused her. Did he NOT know how to use that accent? It was clearly fake. (IMSORRYIFITISNTACTUALLYFAKEIMTIRED)
She doesn't say anything, though. Just gives him a thumbs up.
"No problem! I'm glad I could help!" She chuckles.
"Silly kids! Making jokes!" Hop Pop grumbles, as he grabs all the kids outside, including Flossie. "Well, gotta go. Bye!"
Throwing the kids inside the fwagon, Hop Pop jumps into the drivers seat and zooms off, leaving the police in the dust.
Flossie leans out the window, giving one last wave to Francis. "See you another time, Francis!"
The frog waves back, as they disappear on the horizon.
As the axolotl leans back in the window, Anne grabs her shoulder. "Shh." The human points over to Jean, who was now asleep.
"Gotta let her get rest." Anne explains. Flossie nods, and the kids play a quiet game while their older sibling figure slept.
—
"Dangit!"
The voice growls, full of anger.
"Dang that girl!"
With a loud sigh, they closed their eyes.
"It's fine. I can still do this. I can still wear Soul down. It's only a matter of time until everything will play out, just the way it's supposed to.
Only a matter of time, Soul."
A/N: Tired. Anxious. Gonnastartschoolagainandimterrified. Did I say tired?
Also, i think I'm getting way better at story telling! If I were to rewrite some of my stories from 2 years ago, I would probably do WAY better now. The only problem is I've gotten worse with grandma and spelling :p
AND I'M ALSO THINKING OF CHANGING THE TITLE TO "SOUL SISTERS" IUEKFHJDSJC KINDA FITS THE STORY BETTER
